FIFA President leads Green Card call for sustainable action

Green Card for the Planet

Ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has delivered a video message raising a “Green Card for the Planet” to highlight awareness on the protection of the environment. The initiative is linked to World Environment Day - celebrated annually on 5 June - the United Nations’ principal vehicle for encouraging awareness and action for this crucial subject. The FIFA President calls everyone to support the campaign by preparing their own “Green Card for the Planet” video message where they mention an action that they will undertake to protect the environment while also requesting others to follow suit. Last November, during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Scotland, FIFA published the FIFA Climate Strategy and confirmed its pledge to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change − Sports for Climate Action Framework, which includes a commitment to reducing emissions by 50% by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2040.

Climate Strategy

What is FIFA doing?

Qeqertarsuaq, Greenland - July 6, 2018: Soccer field with the ocean and icebergs in the background

Reduce emissions

Until 2030, FIFA’s Climate Strategy aims to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of its activities, including the FIFA World Cup and all other FIFA tournaments by half by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2040, and to deliver solutions that protect biodiversity and natural resources.

DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 07: General view outside the stadium prior to the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021 Group C match between Jordan and Palestine at Stadium 974 on December 07, 2021 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Francois Nel - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Carbon-neutral FIFA World Cup

For the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, FIFA has committed to staging a fully carbon-neutral FIFA World Cup and, together with our local partners, to leaving a positive legacy for environmental protection. In addition, FIFA commits to doing the same for all future FIFA tournaments.

An aerial view of a training pitch in a forest setting.

Protect the environment

This positioning is in line with the FIFA President’s Vision 2020-2023 to make football truly global. The eleventh goal states that football should impact society through the power of the sport and this means delivering solutions to protect the environment and the climate.

What should you do?

If you are attending FIFA events, FIFA advises that you pledge to reduce your carbon footprint and protect the climate. This is in line with an initiative being launched by FIFA on Sunday 5 June 2022 in relation to ticket holders for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.

Please pledge to reduce your carbon footprint and convince family and friends to do the same…

You can fly less often, take public transport and cycle more.

You can eat less meat and eat more plants.

You can purchase products locally, switch to green energy... and much more.

There are many great projects and campaigns around the world that will help you reduce your footprint. Search your local climate action organisation and learn how to reduce your emissions and look to build a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.